Sculptor

General Francis Marion Sculpture in Johnsonville, SC

September 13th, 2014

General Francis Marion

“Francis Marion” Monument in bronze on concrete pedestal. – This 3x life size monument of General Francis Marion and his horse, Ball, stands at the historical site of Venters’ Landing, Johnsonville. Marion is known for leading his men to a decisive victory in the Revolutionary War. The sculpture sits on an 11 ft. pedestal and is intended to reflect the dichotomy of war. The expression of fear and confusion on Ball’s face reveals the miseries of war, while Marion’s countenance is composed and in command. His right arm is extended, pointing the way ahead to victory and the future. The sculpture was installed in May 2013 during a ceremony that was attended by representatives of congress and other dignitaries.

The General Francis Marion sculpture located at Witherspoon’s Ferry (also known as Venters’ Landing) in Johnsonville, South Carolina is 7 feet high and ten feet across, set upon a 12-foot base considered to be located on the spot that Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, received his commission in the Revolutionary War and proceeded to trounce the British.

The commanding presence of the General stares down at visitors with a piercing gaze as if to say, “follow me!” The sculpture is unique among historical depictions in that it adopts the perspective of the war photographer, honing in on the action, or that of a close-up shot of the critical characters in a television drama. The sculptor, Alex Palkovich, has focused on the center of the action, detailing the commanding presence of Marion and his wild-eyed Marsh Tacky horse that saw him through the battles.

The sculpture is conveniently located at Venters’ Landing off Highway 41/51 which is also known as the Johnsonville Veterans Memorial Park. In Mid-May of each year, the City of Johnsonville celebrates its history at the location. There is no charge for viewing the sculpture and it can easily be seen from the highway.

"Francis Marion" Monument in bronze on concrete pedestal. - This 3x life size monument of General Francis Marion and his horse, Ball, stands at the historical site of Venters' Landing, Johnsonville. Marion is known for leading his men to a decisive victory in the Revolutionary War. The sculpture sits on an 11 ft. pedestal and is intended to reflect the dichotomy of war. The expression of fear and confusion on Ball’s face reveals the miseries of war, while Marion’s countenance is composed and in command. His right arm is extended, pointing the way ahead to victory and the future. The sculpture was installed in May 2013 during a ceremony that was attended by representatives of congress and other dignitaries.

Francis Marion sculpture in bronze in Johnsonville, South Carolina

"Francis Marion" Monument in bronze on concrete pedestal. - This 3x life size monument of General Francis Marion and his horse, Ball, stands at the historical site of Venters' Landing, Johnsonville. Marion is known for leading his men to a decisive victory in the Revolutionary War. The sculpture sits on an 11 ft. pedestal and is intended to reflect the dichotomy of war. The expression of fear and confusion on Ball’s face reveals the miseries of war, while Marion’s countenance is composed and in command. His right arm is extended, pointing the way ahead to victory and the future. The sculpture was installed in May 2013 during a ceremony that was attended by representatives of congress and other dignitaries.

FrancisMarion at Sunset

Francis Marion with foundry workers

General Francis Marion at foundry

General Francis Marion in Johnsonville, South Carolina

"Francis Marion" Monument in bronze on concrete pedestal. - This 3x life size monument of General Francis Marion and his horse, Ball, stands at the historical site of Venters' Landing, Johnsonville. Marion is known for leading his men to a decisive victory in the Revolutionary War. The sculpture sits on an 11 ft. pedestal and is intended to reflect the dichotomy of war. The expression of fear and confusion on Ball’s face reveals the miseries of war, while Marion’s countenance is composed and in command. His right arm is extended, pointing the way ahead to victory and the future. The sculpture was installed in May 2013 during a ceremony that was attended by representatives of congress and other dignitaries.